Friday, 6 March 2009

FAM Should Not Be Selective In Punishing Critics - Dr Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) should not be selective in punishing those who criticised the country's governing body so that the punishment meted out would not be questioned.

Former FAM secretary general Datuk Seri Dr Ibrahim Saad said all affiliates and everybody under the FAM umbrella must adhere to its policy matters and nobody should be spared it there was a breach of the rule.

"Whichever association or individual, when there is an element of guilt, action must be taken in accordance with the FAM constitution without fear or favour," he told Bernama in relation to the one year suspension and RM4,000 fine meted out to Felda United head coach Reduan Abdullah for criticising the FAM.

Dr Ibrahim who was interviewed by Datuk Seri Azman Ujang on Radio 24 in a segment called "Hot Seat" here today, said even a top bras in the FAM had criticised the FAM in a blog and the media.

There are also individuals who do not have any direct interest in football associations but are free to issue statements related to such issues.

"Such incidents (unfair action) will be viewed as an injustice by the people, so FAM must review their action," said Dr Ibrahim.

Punishment meted out on Reduan, especially the one year suspension, can be said as very drastic for something that FAM themselves should be gravely concerned.

After Reduan, the FAM are said to be out to take action on Referees' Committee deputy chairman Datuk Soh Chin Aun and referees' department head Lt. Col. (R) Kamaruddin Sakhari for remarks made against the FAM.